04 – 07 CTS-V 8.8 Rear Differential Swap YOUR CHOICE OF UPGRADES

Housing *

Driveshafts *

Axles *

Carrier *

Gear Ratio *

Product Description

Creative Steel offers a complete bolt-in solution to the problematic Getrag rear differential that the CTS-V came with from the factory. We offer this solution as a “turn key” kit that includes everything required to perform the differential swap, we also offer the individual components from this kit for those of you that would like to source some of the parts locally.

*** DRIVE LINE AND AXLES ARE CUSTOM MADE AS ORDERED AND DROP SHIPPED FROM DRIVE SHAFT SHOP ***
The 8.8 Ford rear differential is well known for strength and trouble free service in many street and racing applications, both on and off-road. The 8.8 is nothing new, in its solid axle form it was introduced in 1983 for use in full size pick-ups, the IRS version was introduced in 86 for use in the Thunderbirds and Lincoln Mark VIII and was also used in the ’03-’04 Cobra Mustangs. The wide spread availability of parts and aftermarket support make the 8.8 the rear end of choice for many custom car and race car builders.

As said before, our 8.8 Ford rear diff kit is a true 100% bolt-in replacement for the factory differential, absolutely no modification to the vehicle is required, no cutting, welding, drilling or special tools are required. Although a second person would help, one person that is moderately familiar with the suspension components of a car can perform the installation of this kit in eight working hours.

Other benefits to this swap other that the increased strength of the differential is the almost unlimited selection of gear ratio’s available. For most people one ratio will meet the needs of how the car is used, for example: if you spend a large amount of your driving time on the freeway the original (04-07 CTS-V 3.73) would be a good choice. If you spend a lot on time in the city, where the traffic is street light to street light than 4.10 gears might be more “fun”. If multiple gear ratios are desired than a second center section could be set-up with a different ratio, the 8.8 IRS center section can be swapped out in as little as two hours. This could be nice for the guys that race their cars on different tracks, where a higher or lower gear ratio may suit a particular track better.

We have also installed “cooler ports” in the rear cover, for those of you that track your cars, we know excessive heat can be a problem; this should be a welcome feature.

Our CTS-V 8.8 Rear Differential Swap also reduces wheel hop to an absolute minimum. Many factors come in to play when “wheel hop” is discussed, such as road conditions, tire choice, and the condition of every rubber component in the drive train. The CTS is in fact a Cadillac, passenger comfort was a high priority when these vehicles were designed. The soft rubber bushings through-out these cars are great for isolating road noise from the cabin, but are not a good choice when performance is the objective. Bottom line: the engineers working for Cadillac had to choose between customer comfort and clutch-dumping acceleration, then the marketing department got involved, they said “we’ll sell more cars if they’re comfy-quiet”. So that’s how CTS wheel hop was born……THE END.

We understand that there are kits available to install a Ford 9″ differential in the CTS-V, we also understand that the 9″ has been the benchmark for high performance rear ends for decades, but for the CTS-V application, we feel the only benefit to the Ford 9″ is that it is sexier to say. It sounds better to say (In your deepest manly voice) “I have a Ford 9 inch” than it does to say “I have a Ford 8.8″.

When you factor in the labor for the required cutting, welding and removal of the rear sub frame/cradle from the car to perform the 9″ install and the higher price of the 9″ components…. the 8.8 option makes a lot of sense.

If you are considering Ford 8.8 diff swap for your CTS-V, do your homework, surf the internet for what others have to say about the 8.8, good and bad. I think you will find that the 8.8 is more than strong enough to handle whatever you and your V can throw at it.

If you have ANY questions about this differential swap do not hesitate to call, ask for Max, I enjoy talking about V’s and will help in any way I can.

Hands down the best upgrade that can be done to these cars…. I love driving my car again without all the clunking and banging from the crap GM used for a driveline. p.s the 4:10 gear change is fun in the city:)

5 out of 5

Justin – September 17, 2013:

I purchased this kit early this summer and have put 6k on it with no issues whatsoever. It went together without a hitch and is well made. My tuner was impressed with the kit as well. Customer service was top notch and this company pays attention to details. I would happily purchase this again.

5 out of 5

Robert – December 30, 2013:

By far the best upgrade for a V1. I have 10k on this kit with only a leaking shaft seal. Called Max to see if there was any others with this issue. Max replied there werent and is working with me to find the cause. Outstanding customer service…